Society for the Performing Arts (SPA) will present the 14th Annual Student Visual Art Contest sponsored by Wells Fargo. This art contest offers all kindergarten through 12th grade students in the greater Houston area and beyond a chance to showcase their talents and win prizes, while learning more about the performing arts. The deadline for all entries is Friday, Feb. 17, 2012.

Titled Japanese Culture, its People & Legends: Triumph in the Face of Tragedy, this year’s Visual Art Contest is inspired by SPA’s presentation of TAO: The Art of the Drum – a theatrical performance featuring explosive drumming, dazzling contemporary costumes and innovative choreography. TAO: The Art of the Drum makes its Houston debut on Friday, Feb. 24, 2012, in Wortham Center’s Brown Theater.

All submitted artwork will be judged on creativity, skill and interpretation of the theme Japanese Culture, its People & Legends: Triumph in the Face of Tragedy. Works on paper, including photography, are permitted with a maximum size of 16 in. x 20 in. Entries may be matted or un-matted. SPA requires one entry per student and one artist per entry. Students may submit artwork themselves or teachers may submit students’ artwork on their behalf. Please include the following information on the back of the artwork: title of work, student’s name, grade, address, telephone number and e-mail, as well as the school name and address, teacher’s name, telephone number and e-mail.

Winners will be announced on Friday, Feb. 24. Senior contest winners will be awarded scholarships in various amounts. One “Best of Show” graduating high school senior will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship in loving memory of Viola Davis Rosson, late mother of Mary Rosson Espinosa and mother-in-law of Miguel Espinosa. A “Special Merit” graduating high school senior will be awarded a $500 scholarship in loving memory of K.E. “Jake” Jacob, late father of Dinah Sultanik and father-in-law of H. Michael Sultanik.

All first, second and third place winners will receive a museum membership provided by various local museums. First place winners for grades K-11 will receive a scholarship to the Glassell Junior School, MFAH. All winners, including the honorable mention recipients, will receive a gift of art supplies and tickets to a performance provided by SPA. For more information, visit spahouston.org or call 713-632-8112.